How Community Hunger Solutions Is Organized

Vernon Economic Development Association

Vernon Economic Development Association is the 501 C-3 non-profit organization under which Community Hunger Solutions operates.

Vernon Economic Development Association provides support through accounting/record keeping/grant administration, warehouse/loading dock access, and refrigeration for procured produce at the Food Enterprise Center in Viroqua.

Through its connection to Vernon Economic Development Association and it’s relationships with area farms, CHS delivers fresh produce to many local meal sites and food pantries in 18 Southwest Wisconsin counties via coordinated transportation.

“Community Hunger Solutions fits well with VEDA’s focus to improve the quality of life in our region and to increase the business capacity of area farmers by providing access to new markets.” – Susan Noble, Vernon Economic Development Association Executive Director

Funding: Support from Local Businesses, Foundations, Grants and Donors

CHS receives support from the Vernon Economic Development Association and various Foundations, Grants, and both corporate and private/personal donors.

CHS seeks renewed funding from various groups to continue its vital work with food pantries, food banks, farmers, senior centers and consumers.

Engaging Local Community & Providing Solutions to Hunger

CHS connects over 60 area farms and retail distributors like the Organic Valley Produce Pool to people who have food insecurity issues by procuring and arranging transportation to get thousands of pounds of fresh produce to food banks like Hunger Task Force of La Crosse and Second Harvest Foodbank of Madison, which then is distributed to food pantries/meal sites in 18 Southwest Wisconsin counties.

CHS works together with various local groups and organizations in the community to source fresh produce and deliver it to those in need — this includes: local farmers, volunteers, funders, distributors, senior living centers, local food pantries and regional food banks.

“Volunteering with CHS enabled me to discover the huge positive impact the local produce farmers have on our community. It’s gratifying to see people working with producers to provide healthy food for those in need.”– John Fox, Westby, WI

Ways Community Partnerships Support CHS’ Efforts

60 local organic produce farms provide fresh produce at a reduced cost; also often providing delivery to the Food Enterprise Center.

Organic Valley donates thousands of pounds of excess produce through their distribution center in Cashton, WI.

Nelson Agri-Center in Viroquaprovided trucking to allow delivery of procured produce to La Crosse for a Community Thanksgiving meal and a special “Food Give-Away” organized by Hunger Task Force of La Crosse.

“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people.” – Jean Vanier

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